Eastland, yes too much LMB biomass but also too many intermediate BG. I need to cull some of the largest LMB. The populations of both BG and LMB are out of synch with the goal of growing some 9" to 10" BG. Way too many BG also. I have been culling BG in the 4.5" to 6" range.

Snipe, that makes sense. There is presently a bloom of YOY BG that are a hair bigger than a postage stamp. I think these were probably spawned early June. I'll watch to see if the condition of smaller LMB improves.

Bill, regarding efficiency of the different sized LMB. Would vegetation affect this parameter? The pond is shallow (probably 6' at the deepest) and it suffers from immense blooms of southern naiad. Earlier it had something like 70% coverage to the surface but that stuff grows everywhere submerged. I was concerned enough by it to rake some out. Every year the naiad dies back (or maybe settles back?), usually in August but it was earlier this year (over the past week or so). Most of the pond is now clear at the surface and there is a pretty dark green phytoplankton bloom with visibility to 2.5 to 3 feet.

Bill, another question of efficiency just regarding prey availability. I wonder to what extent their range of consumed prey overlap. IOWs. The larger fish need more maintenance ration and would necessarily need to consume greater numbers of smaller prey (even if not ideal). It may be no problem for the larger LMB to consume prey that are relatively more difficult for the smaller LMB to consume. I am just not sure but it is an interesting thought.

Theo, I haven't weighed them. I measure lengths with marks on my pole. I don't keep released fish out of water very long. The condition of the smaller LMB are obviously poorer. Much more so than the larger ones. The heads are disproportionately large on the smaller LMB. I have lots of pics of the bigger ones my son has caught but none of the smaller ones (just not memorable enough). I'll take pic or two of the smaller fish to demonstrate. Also, I think this fall (after the water temp cools a bit). I will get some good relative weights to compare against subsequent years.

OK so I know some of the larger LMB need to be culled. Because the BG are not controlled well enough to grow large I feel like I need to maintain culling of BG in their absence. Where culling the larger LMB would work best is if some of their diet overlaps with the smaller LMB. IOWs some of competition would be removed allowing the smaller LMB to consume more than they otherwise are/would.

I am thinking about removing 2 to 4 of the larger LMB. I am uncertain as to the optimum timing and interested in other's thoughts on that question. Is the lower number better than the larger? Also, should I wait until fall or spring or just do it now when there is crop of YOY coming on?

It isn't what we don't know that gives us trouble, it's what we know that ain't so - Will Rogers